Incorporating the module Engineering for Sustainable Development in the First Year Engineering Program

In this paper, the authors present the process followed for the design, implementation and assessment of the module "Engineering for sustainable development" (ESD) aimed to incorporate sustainable development engineering learning since early years in the curricula at a large University of the Southwest due to increasing societal demands for a more sustainable engineering practice. The FYE program module "Engineering for Sustainable Development" (ESD),involves sustainable circular designs as core promoters of a circular economy. A five-semester fold survey taken to incoming freshman students shows they know very little or nothing about the fundaments of sustainable development. This innovative design thinking will create a new mentality in FYE engineering students. Based on a substantive, preliminary assessment instrument, the paper concludes with an assessment of the effectiveness and student engagement